Cardiac Syndrome X?

[KimC]

Thank you -- I've been pondering switching cardios for some time, but what an ordeal that will be.

I tried the nitro for the first time tonight after experiencing chest pain after an atypical argument with my spouse. (We're renovating our new house, ugh. Bad timing).

I drank a big glass of water, (per my cardio's instructions), sat down and placed the nitro under my tongue. (I also held the phone in my hand ... just in case).

Within seconds, I felt some burning under my tongue, general throbbing all over, and finally RELIEF. It was so unexpected.

My airways opened up, but the pain under my left breast still continued, so after 20 minutes, I took another tablet and the discomfort, tightness and pain are COMPLETELY GONE. WHOOSH! My chest feels NORMAL. I do not feel like I have asthma either at the moment.

In plain english, WHAT THE HELL DOES THIS MEAN? I understand the science behind the nitro, I'm just kicking myself for not being more assertive with my doctor about my chest pain. Am I an *****?

This was a telltale moment in my life ... I had wondered if the pain was due to something else.

I never had chest pain until the second trimester of my pregnancy. It only recently started recurring every day predictably, e.g., after having a Disco dance party with my three and six year old daughters. (They loved it, I loved it, and then I was reminded that I'm not the same person physically that I was a year ago).

Thanks ... sorry this has been such a long, selfish thread/post. I know so many people in our community are going through similar ups and downs, and that mine pales in comparison to most. I am humbled by what I read.

God bless,

 

[Bryan B]

Kim,

I've learned through experience that sometimes you have to be your own best advocate (i.e. aggresive) with your healthcare providers. My PCP was slow to react (IMO) in diagnosing my endocarditis given my history. Even after he finally did a blood culture that grew strep in less than 2 days, he said the the Cipro should take care of it. Two days later I insisted on an echo and was admitted to the hospital with IE immediately after the echo was read. Who knows what would have happened if I didn't speak up! I also insisted on a cardiology followup post infection. That just happened last Tuesday and both the cardiologist and subsequent CV surgeon recommended surgery ASAP. Apparently my combination of VSD, AI and now IE puts me at a very high risk for reinfection.

It's good to know the nitro worked! I have moderate AI and I have sporatic chest pain (I call them sensations) that only lasts for a few seconds (although it was constant when my IE became acute). One of my AV leaflets is prolapsed due to my VSD, and I think the sporatic CP is due to the VSD "messing" with that leaflet.

And yes, "messing" is the technical term.

After reading your profile I'm a little surprised that they haven't checked under the hood to take a little closer look (i.e. cath).

If you are having 2nd thoughts about your cardio, do not hesitate to get a 2nd opinion. It's your health and your body!

 

[Nancy]

Hi Kim-

Never apologize for postings on this site. We're all in this together, and we all have ups and downs and the need to share our burden with people who understand.

I am very happy to hear that the nitro worked magic for you.

Joe used to take it many years ago, every day. I'm really not sure what the reason was because he didn't have chest pain, and it was after his AVR. I think in those days they gave it to every heart surgery patient regardless.

 

[Kathy]

Kim-

I'm glad that the nirtro worked for you.

Your post isn't at all selfish. We all learn from each other. The problems that we all have prior to and after surgery are really overwhelming. Most people really don't understand that.

Some doctors don't really seem to understand, either. Unluckily enough I had some gyneological problems which were concurrent with the heart surgery. My gyno was the MOST compassionate professional person about the heart problems. My previous gyno had retired so I had only been going to him for a few years. I was really touched.

The nurses at Cleveland Clinic were very understanding. I can't praise them enough.

 

[KimC]

Thanks, Nancy and Kathy. I appreciate your support. It is overwhelming sometimes. I'm still shocked that the nitro works so well for me, and wondering why I wasn't more assertive about my symptoms earlier. This has been such challenge but I know I'll overcome it with a little time. I'm confident of that.

Best,